Abbreviated cycle coffeemaker

ABSTRACT

A percolator type coffeemaker incorporating combined water and temperature level indicators correlated so as to provide an automatic indication of the initial water temperature required to brew a predetermined amount of coffee within a specific time. A basket insert is utilized to insure a proper and rapid flow through the ground coffee to insure a complete extraction therefrom within the abbreviated cycle achieved by utilizing specifically preheated water.

Elite States atent n 1 Beverett Feb. 13, 1973 ABBREVIATED CYCLECOFFEEMAKER [76] Inventor: James 1-1. Beverett, 410 Nottingham Road,Montgomery, Ala. 36109 [22] Filed: June 1, 1971 [21] App]. No.: 148,709

[52] US. Cl ..99/285 [51] Int. Cl. ..A47j 31/00 [58] Field of Search..99/285, 291, 293

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,217,923 11/1965 Price..99/285 Johnson ..99/291 Hrabe ..99/291 Primary ExaminerRobert W.Jenkins [57] ABSTRACT A percolator type coffeemaker incorporatingcombined water and temperature level indicators correlated so as toprovide an automatic indication of the initial water temperaturerequired to brew a predetermined amount of coffee within a specifictime. A basket insert is utilized to insure a proper and rapid flowthrough the ground coffee to insure a complete extraction therefromwithin the abbreviated cycle achieved by utilizing specificallypreheated water.

8 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures PATENIEDFEB 13 I975 SHEET 10F 2 James H.Beware/f BY WW EM 1 ABBREVIATED CYCLE COFFEEMAKER The invention hereingenerally relates to percolator type coffeemakers, and is morespecifically concerned with improvements directing relating toshortening the brewing cycle while at the same time achieving improvedflavor and aroma with no bitter extracts being present.

It has been established, primarily by coffee brewing associations andknowledgeable individuals, that the production of good coffee, that iscoffee having the most acceptable flavor and aroma, requires the brewingof the coffee, that is the percolating water flow, occur for only alimited period of time with an extension of the brewing cycle beyond thelimit resulting in an extraction of bitter acids from the ground coffeewhich inturn has an obvious detremental effect on the brewed coffee. Itis generally agreed that the maximum brewing time for a regular orpercolator grind is 8 minutes, for a drip grind the maximum brewing timeshould be 6 minutes, and for a fine grind, the maximum brewing timeshould 4 minutes. These maximums have been found to hold true regardlessof the number of cups brewed at one time. It will be noted that thefiner the grind the shorter the brewing time in that complete extractionoccurs much more rapidly.

The conventional home type electrically operated coffeemakers,particularly the popular 12 cup capacity percolator, have a brewingcycle of from, to l8 minutes when the device is filled to capacity.Those known percolators having the shorter brewing cycles incorporateextremely high wattage heating units, thus resulting in an increase inthe cost of manufacture. Further, utilizing a conventional percolator,it has been found that the temperature of the water which initiallyreaches the coffee grains, when starting with cold water, is much toolow and results in an inefficient extraction during the initialpercolating stage. By the same token, the temperature of the waterduring the later stages, when a mixture of hot water and steam isnormally generated, results in, not onlyan extraction of bitter acids,but also a tendency to produce a burned taste to the coffee.

The objects of the instant invention are many fold, being primarilydirected to efficiently and effectively brewing coffee within themaximum times contemplated so as to achieve the most pleasing flavor andaroma utilizing simple although highly unique modifications to aconventional coffeemaker, a heating unit of lower wattage than thatconventionally provided and a basket accessory which ensures a properextraction from the coffee grains during the abbreviated brewing cycle.

Other objects of the instant invention include the provision of means soas to insure that neither underheated nor over-heated water is utilizedat any point during the brewing cycle, and the utilization of componentsand a system which can be easily understood and followed by anyhomemaker.

Basically, the advantages sought by the instant invention are achievedthrough the utilization of a combined water level indicator andcorrelated temperature gauge which directly indicate the initial watertemperature to be utilized to achieve brewing within the maximum brewingtime for the particular amount of coffee desired. In addition, theimprovements herein include an accessory cup to be utilized with thegrind basket so as to insure a complete extraction of the coffeetherefrom within the abbreviated cycle, particularly in those instanceswherein the finer grinds are used.

These together with other objects and advantages which will becomesubsequently apparent reside in the details of construction andoperation as more fully hereinafter described and claimed, referencebeing had to the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, whereinlike numerals refer to like parts throughout, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an electric coffeemaker incorporatingthe features of the instant invention;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged transverse cross-sectional view takensubstantially upon a plane passing along line 2- 2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the exterior of the combined waterlevel indicator and temperature gauge;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional detail through the upper portion of thecoffeemaker illustrating a modified form of extraction aiding basketaccessory;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the modified accesso- FIG. 6 is atransverse cross-sectional detail taken substantially upon a planepassing along line 6-6 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view, with portions broken away, of acoffeemaker incorporating another form of combined water level indicatorand temperature gauge; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional detail taken substantially upon a planepassing along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, reference numeral 10 isused to generally designate a coffeemaker or percolating type coffeepotincorporating the features of the instant invention. Such featuresinclude a water level indicator I2 and a temperature gauge 14 positionedin closely spaced parallel relation to each other, preferably within avertical depression 16 provided in the wall of the pot 10 in line withthe handle 18 so as to not distract from the conventional appearance ofthe pot, while at the same time being readily visually accessible.

The water level indicator 12 consists of a hollow water tube 20 affixedto the exterior of the pot l0 and having the lower end thereof in directcommunication with the interior of the pot as generally indicated by thereference numeral 22. In this manner, water will rise in the tube 20 toa level corresponding to the water level within the pot 10 and providean indication of the amount of water in the pot. An appropriate seriesof markings 24 are provided in the pot wall immediately adjacent thetube, such markings corresponding to the number of cups which willresult from a particular water level. For example, noting FIG. 3, watersufficient for 6 cups is indicated.

The temperature gauge 14 includes a thermometer tube 26 paralleling thewater tube 20. This thermometer tube 26 has the lower end thereof,defining the bulb, communicated with the interior of the pot asgenerally indicated by reference numeral 28, thus providing for a directsensing of the temperature of the water within the pot. lndicia 30isalso provided on the pot wall immediately adjacent and along thethermometer tube 26.

The indicia 30 indicates, in conjunction with each indicated cup level,a small range within which the initial temperature of the water shouldfall so as to achieve a complete brewing, without either an underbrewingor an overbrewing, of the coffee within the time contemplated to achievethe maximum in flavor and aroma. No particular numerical value need begiven to the indicia 30 of the temperature gauge 14. However, it will beappreciated that such will have to be calibrated in accordance with thewattage of the pump heating unit, and the type of coffee grind to beused so as to achieve the specific brewing time contemplated to affordthe optimum in good coffee. As one example, assuming a coffee pot lincorporating a pump heating unit of a wattage of 600 for use with adrip grind, thus, as previously indicated, requiring a maximum brewingtime of 6 minutes, the temperature of the water at the initiation of thebrewing should be approximately 80 F. for 4 cups, 90 F. for 6 cups, 105F. for 8 cups, 125 F. for 10 cups, and 150 F. for 12 cups. Thus, thebrewing cycle will be completed in each case in not less than minutesand not more than the desired 6 minutes. The indicia 30 associated withthe temperature gauge 14 will reflect these values. Incidentally, itwill be appreciated that by calibrating the temperature gauge 14 wherebythe level of mercury displayed thereby is, when the water is at theproper temperature, in substantial alignment with the level of the waterin the water tube 20, the indicia 30 can be dispensed with.Nevertheless, the indicia 30 is in fact of value in indicating anacceptable temperature range.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a modified arrangement wherein a water levelindicating scale or indicia 32 is provided along the interior of the potand adjacent a vertically elongated thermometer tube 34 positionedwithin an appropriate recess 36. The thermometer tube 34 has indicia 38provided along therewith and to the opposite side from the water levelindicia 32. The combination water level indicator and temperature gaugeof FIG. 7 is used in the same manner as that previously described so asto enable the person making the coffee to immediately ascertain thedesired water temperature and level at the beginning of the brewingcycle to achieve the results herein sought. The preheated water can, ifdesired, be obtained from a hot water tap or by preheating in thecoffeemaker itself.

In view of the abbreviated cycle utilized to achieve the maximum in goodcoffee, it is necessary that there be a rapid exit of the brewed coffeethrough the grind containing basket 40 normally supported on the upperend of the conventionally provided central vertically elongated pumpingtube 41. The basket 40 itself has a perforated bottom 42 and animperforate annular side wall 44. This rapid exiting of -the'brewedcoffee could be a problem wherein small diameter baskets 40 are used inconjunction with the finer grinds of coffee. Accordingly, in suchsituations, an accessory in the nature of a cup 46 is provided withinthe basket 40. The cup 46 has a perforated bottom 48 and a perforatedannular wall 50 which is orientated in inwardly spaced relation to thebasket wall 44. The bottom 48 of the cup 46 includes a central aperturetherethrough enabling a seating of the cup over the central pumping tube42 as well as the cylindrical stem 52 of the basket 40. Further, theupper edge of the cup wall 50 is outwardly flared, as at 54, to maintaina space between the cup wall 50 and the basket wall 44 for the free flowof the coffee from the cup 46. In addition, the lower edge of the cupwall 50, in conjunction with the outer periphery of the cup bottom 48,provides 21 depending peripheral support flange 56 which spaces the cupbottom 48 above the basket bottom 42. The coffee grind is placed withinthe cup 46, the bottom and side holes of which are'larger than the holesin the bottom of the coffee basket. In this manner, there is insured amore rapid exit of the brewed coffee from the cup 46 and fromtherethrough the smaller holes in the bottom 42 of the coffee basket 40,and insures that no undesirable basket overflow occurs.

In those situations wherein a medium grind is used in conjunction with arelatively small diameter coffee basket, the accessory plate 58 can besubstituted for the cup 46. This plate includes an elevated perforatedbottom 60 and only a peripheral lip 62, rather than an upwardlyprojecting side wall as with the cup 46. The holes in the bottom 60 ofthe plate are larger than the holes in the bottom of the associatedbasket 40, and the grind carrying plate 58 cooperates with the basket 40in insuring a rapid exiting of the brewed coffee therethrough so as toenhance the feasibility of the abbreviated cycle system.

In those instances wherein course grinds are utilized, such alsonormally entails the use of relatively large diameter baskets as well asa'relatively longer brewing time. Accordingly, there is less of arequirement for a rapid exiting of the brewed coffee. In view of this,and inasmuch as the large diameter baskets provide a greater area for anexiting of the brewed coffee, no accessories in the nature of the cup 46or plate 58 are required.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that a unique coffee brewingsystem has been defined. The system herein results in a considerableshortening of the normal brewing cycle time and at the same time resultsin a better tasting coffee and a simple, practical and novel manner ofproviding these desirable objects. Furthermore, the instant inventionprovides for a brewing of the coffee within the time period deemed mosteffective to achieve a maximum in flavor and aroma while maintaining atemperature which avoids the normally experienced temperature excessesincluding an initial stage wherein the water is too cool to perform aproper brew extraction and a final stage wherein the water and steamvapor results in a burned taste. Provision is also made for insuring arapid exiting of the brewed coffee from the basket, particularly inthose cases wherein the shorter cycles are involved and the finer grindsare being used.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

What is claimed as new is as follows:

1. An abbreviated cycle coffeemaker comprising a coffee pot including aperipheral wall defining an interior brewing chamber, a water levelindicator provided vertically along said wall, and a temperature gaugeparalleling said water level indicator immediately adjacent theretowherein said temperature gauge is calibrated to indicate a predeterminedstarting water temperature at an approximate height corresponding to thelevel of water indicated on the water level indicator which will resultin a completed brewing cycle within a predetermined time.

2. The coffeemaker of claim 1 wherein said temperature gauge iscalculated to indicate a starting water temperature for any water levelby a mercury height which corresponds to the water level height asindicated at any point along the water level indicator.

3. The coffeemaker of claim 2 wherein said water level indicatorcomprises an elongated water tube mounted on the exterior of said walland communicated, at the lower end thereof, with the interior of .saidcoffee pot, said temperature gauge comprising an elongated thermometertube having a bulb on the lower end thereof positioned in heat receivingcommunication with the interior of the coffee pot.

4. The coffeemaker of claim 2 wherein said water level indicatorcomprises a series of vertical indicia provided on the wall within theinterior of the coffee pot, said temperature gauge comprising anelongated thermometer tube'mounted on the wall within the coffee pot inparallel relation to and immediately adjacent said markings.

5. The coffeemaker of claim 2 including a coffee grind receiving basketpositioned within the upper portion of the interior of said coffee pot,and a grind supporting accessory mounted within said basket andmaintained in spaced relation to both the bottom of the basket and thesides thereof, said accessory and said basket including brew passingapertures, the accessory apertures being larger than the basketapertures.

6. The coffeemaker of claim 5 wherein said accessory in the nature of acup including a flat perforated bottom and an annular upstandingperforated side wall.

7. The coffeemaker of claim 5 wherein said accessory is in the nature ofa flat perforated plate supported in spaced relation above the bottom ofthe basket by a peripheral flange.

8. An abbreviated cycle coffeemaker comprising a coffee pot, meansmounted on said pot for providing an indication of the level of thewater in said pot, and second means mounted on said pot and providing anautomatic indication of the temperature at which the water should beupon the initiation of a brewing cycle in order to achieve a properbrewing of the coffee grains for a cycle of predetermined length, thelength of the cycle being equal for all levels of water with thetemperature of the water at the initiation of the cycle varying inaccordance with the level of the water and being directly indicated bysaid second means.

1. An abbreviated cycle coffeemaker comprising a coffee pot including aperipheral wall defining an interior brewing chamber, a water levelindicator provided vertically along said wall, and a temperature gaugeparalleling said water level indicator immediately adjacent theretowherein said temperature gauge is calibrated to indicate a predeterminedstarting water temperature at an approximate height corresponding to thelevel of water indicated on the water level indicator which will resultin a completed brewing cycle within a predetermined time.
 1. Anabbreviated cycle coffeemaker comprising a coffee pot including aperipheral wall defining an interior brewing chamber, a water levelindicator provided vertically along said wall, and a temperature gaugeparalleling said water level indicator immediately adjacent theretowherein said temperature gauge is calibrated to indicate a predeterminedstarting water temperature at an approximate height corresponding to thelevel of water indicated on the water level indicator which will resultin a completed brewing cycle within a predetermined time.
 2. Thecoffeemaker of claim 1 wherein said temperature gauge is calculated toindicate a starting water temperature for any water level by a mercuryheight which corresponds to the water level height as indicated at anypoint along the water level indicator.
 3. The coffeemaker of claim 2wherein said water level indicator comprises an elongated water tubemounted on the exterior of said wall and communicated, at the lower endthereof, with the interior of said coffee pot, said temperature gaugecomprising an elongated thermometer tube having a bulb on the lower endthereof positioned in heat receiving communication with the interior ofthe coffee pot.
 4. The coffeemaker of claim 2 wherein said water levelindicator comprises a series of vertical indicia provided on the wallwithin the interior of the coffee pot, said temperature gauge comprisingan elongated thermometer tube mounted on the wall within the coffee potin parallel relation to and immediately adjacent said markings.
 5. Thecoffeemaker of claim 2 including a coffee grind receiving basketpositioned within the upper portion of the interior of said coffee pot,and a grind supporting accessory mounted within said basket andmaintained in spaced relation to both the bottom of the basket and thesides thereof, said accessory anD said basket including brew passingapertures, the accessory apertures being larger than the basketapertures.
 6. The coffeemaker of claim 5 wherein said accessory in thenature of a cup including a flat perforated bottom and an annularupstanding perforated side wall.
 7. The coffeemaker of claim 5 whereinsaid accessory is in the nature of a flat perforated plate supported inspaced relation above the bottom of the basket by a peripheral flange.